Topics in Political Science

I. Course Prefix/Number:
PSC 290

Course Name:
Topics in Political Science

Credits:
1-3 (1-3 lecture; 0 lab)

II. Prerequisite

Varies depending on the specific topic

III. Course (Catalog) Description

Course explores major political issues and/or aspects of political life that are related to and grow out of the political science courses taught at the College. Course has a different focus and/or scope than the courses currently offered in the department and can be repeated on different topics up to three times for up to nine credit hours. Prerequisite may vary by topic.

IV. Learning Objectives

Students will identify, explain, analyze, evaluate, and interpret basic concepts, principles, and theories that pertain to, and are reflected in, the topic being studied.

V. Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper
citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to
be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity
policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair
hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated
the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary
record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice
President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

One major topic or several minor topics relating to an overall theme will be selected for study. Examples of possible topics and themes are:

Elections, campaigning, and voting behavior

Political parties and interest groups

The role of elected representatives in a democracy

Local government as a laboratory for democracy

VII. Methods of Instruction

Classes will include a variety of instructional methods such as: lectures, in class discussions, group activities, document and film analysis, and the use of new technologies.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, hybrid or online course.

VIII. Course Practices Required

Students will be required to:

Read a standard textbook and research materials.

Write outside of class the equivalent of 12-14 double-spaced typed pages in the form of a term paper, summaries of journal articles, short research papers, and/or other kinds of writing.

Participate in in-class and out-of-class activities.

IX. Instructional Materials

Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of Classes.

The typical materials for a political science course (textbooks, library materials, movies, sound/slide programs, media based course material) will be used. Materials will be assigned according to the requirements of the specific topic.

X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

At least two exams will be given in addition to other required papers and assignments.

Students will also be evaluated on a combination of written assignments and in- and out -of- class assignments.

XI. Other Course Information

Support Services: Tutoring is available in the Learning Center.

Important Dates: *

XX/XX:

Last day to withdraw and have course dropped from record

XX/XX:

Last day to change to Audit

XX/XX:

Last day for students to submit materials to make up incomplete from the previous semester

XX/XX:

Last day to withdraw from classes with a "W"

*These dates differ for each semester. You'll find the correct dates on the Academic Calendar.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Oakton Community College is committed to maintaining a campus environment emphasizing the dignity and worth of all members of the community, and complies with all federal and state Title IX requirements.

Electronic video and/or audio recording is not permitted during class unless the student obtains written permission from the instructor. In cases where recordings are allowed, such content is restricted to personal use only. Any distribution of such recordings is strictly prohibited. Personal use is defined as use by an individual student for the purpose of studying or completing course assignments.

For students who have been approved for audio and/or video recording of lectures and other classroom activities as a reasonable accommodation by Oakton’s Access Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC), applicable federal law requires instructors to permit those recordings. Such recordings are also limited to personal use. Any distribution of such recordings is strictly prohibited.

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action through the Code of Student Conduct.